White Island (Ross Archipelago) facts for kids
White Island from Ross Sea
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 White Island
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 78°8′S 167°24′E / 78.133°S 167.400°E |
| Archipelago | Ross Archipelago |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
White Island is a special island located in Antarctica. It's part of the Ross Archipelago, a group of islands in the icy Ross Sea. This island is about 28 kilometers (15 nautical miles) long. It stands out from the huge Ross Ice Shelf, which is a thick sheet of ice floating on the ocean. White Island is found just east of another island called Black Island.
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Discovering White Island
Who Found White Island?
White Island was first seen by explorers during the Discovery Expedition. This journey happened between 1901 and 1904. The explorers gave the island its name because it's always covered in a thick layer of snow and ice, making it look completely white.
Why is White Island Important?
A Special Home for Seals
A large area of ice next to White Island is very important. About 142 square kilometers of shelf ice on the northwest coast of the island has been named an Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA 137). This means it's a protected place.
Weddell Seals' Breeding Ground
This protected area is a rare home for a small group of Weddell seals. These seals use the ice here to breed and raise their young. Protecting this area helps keep these amazing animals safe.
What is White Island Made Of?
Volcanoes Under the Ice
White Island is actually made up of two ancient shield volcanoes. These volcanoes formed a very long time ago, during a period called the Pleistocene epoch. Over time, new volcanic cones have grown on top of these older volcanoes.
When Did the Volcanoes Last Erupt?
The last time these volcanoes erupted was about 170,000 years ago. So, they haven't been active in a very, very long time!
